Altoona City Council Meeting - December 19, 2024

The Altoona City Council met in regular session at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024, in Council Chambers at Altoona City Hall, 1303 Lynn Avenue, Altoona, WI. Mayor Brendan Pratt presided. Roll call established a quorum, including Council President Timothy Lima and Councilpersons Dale Stuber, Sue Rowe, Matthew Bieran, and Caitlin Leopold, with city staff and department heads present. No citizens spoke during the Public Comment period. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

Reports

• Public Works Director Scott Quick reported on the Northeast utility extension project: bids were received in September 2024, and the low bidder, A1, declined to honor its bid price after the applicable 30-60 day window. The city will rebid the project after making minor plan refinements to reduce costs.

• Planning Director Taylor Greenwell reported that the city received a Notice of Violation from the DNR regarding the EPA-required lead service line inventory. The inventory was deemed incomplete because composition fields were left blank rather than marked unknown, and the city did not publish the required results. Jacobs Engineering is updating the inventory, and publication is expected during the first quarter of 2025. The city has never discovered lead laterals in past work, adjusts water pH to about 8, and has 10 years to identify and replace lead lines if found. The city already has material data for about 1,500 homes from meter changes. As required, the city will notify utility customers about the violation within the next week.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the Citizens Participation Period; it was closed by motion.

Discussion Items

1. Whitetail Woods Final Plat Timeline Extension

• Mayor Pratt recused himself for this item. Planning Director Greenwell explained that the council approved the preliminary plat on July 11, 2024, and the developer applied for the final plat on July 15, 2024. The remaining condition is an access permit from Eau Claire County for Nine Mile Creek, a county road. City code requires final plat approval within six months, but allows an extension for good cause. The developer requested a six-month extension, and the Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval. Discussion noted county sight-line and tree-removal issues in the right-of-way. The council approved a motion extending the deadline for good cause; without another extension, the preliminary plat would become void if the deadline expires.

2. First Amendment to Visit Eau Claire Tourism Marketing Contract

• The council approved the first amendment to the Visit Eau Claire Tourism Marketing Contract. The current contract prescribes $55,000 for River Prairie Center debt payment, $10,000 for public art, $7,000 for city event support, and $10,000 for El Toonie event marketing, described as 46% of the city's 70% contribution. Under the amendment, the city would receive approximately $27,000 less, or about $17,000 less after Visit Eau Claire continues to market city events, representing roughly a $14,500 swing if 2025 revenues equal 2024. The revised arrangement is percentage-based, with potential upside if tourism revenue improves. Mayor Pratt expressed support, saying Visit Eau Claire has been a successful and valuable partner.

3. First Amendment to Parking Lot Lease Agreement

• The council approved the first amendment to the parking lot lease between the City of Altoona and HPIV Eau Claire Sub I, LLC, successor to Altoona Med, LLC. The amendment updates the site plan, adds insurance requirements, addresses path access and maintenance, and adds indemnification and general provisions; the rest of the original lease remains in effect. The buyer paid the city's attorney costs for the work.

4. Ordinance 12B-24 - Parking Prohibited on North Hillcrest Parkway

• The council adopted Ordinance 12B-24, amending Section 10.20.010 T of the Municipal Code to prohibit parking on North Hillcrest Parkway. The change prohibits parking on both sides from McCann to 10th, replacing a partial north-side allowance. It was driven by the new apartment building near Altoona Family Restaurant, the need for fire apparatus access, and snow-removal issues on the narrow street. Staff contacted six affected property owners; only one expressed minor concern, and Altoona Family Restaurant supported the change.

5. Container Park Graphics Production and Installation Contract

• The council awarded a contract to Signs Now for $14,960.01 for Container Park graphics production and installation. Staff evaluated three product approaches and recommended aluminum back signs. The project has a 50% match through the Vibrant Spaces grant, and the funds must be spent by the end of the year.

Miscellaneous Business and Communications

• Council discussed post office parking. Staff plan to paint the curb on the post office side and restrict parking there while continuing to allow parking on the opposite side. Food truck-only parking near the Container Park was also discussed to improve sight-line safety.

• Councilperson Sue Rowe asked about a short paved connection between the parking area under the River Prairie Bridge and the walking path. Staff agreed to look at the connection and whether it could also support a public works snow-hauling route.

• Staff confirmed work with Xcel Energy to reroute or clean up power lines near the Container Park. Staff also confirmed that the railroad crossing approval for the Whitetail Woods project is complete; only the county access permit remains.

• The council confirmed that, with the Container Park contract award, all ARPA funds have been spent.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the December 5, 2024 meeting minutes.
• Approved the Whitetail Woods final plat deadline extension for good cause.
• Approved the First Amendment to the Visit Eau Claire Tourism Marketing Contract.
• Approved the First Amendment to the Parking Lot Lease Agreement with HPIV Eau Claire Sub I, LLC.
• Adopted Ordinance 12B-24 prohibiting parking on North Hillcrest Parkway.
• Awarded the Container Park graphics contract to Signs Now for $14,960.01.
• Adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

All motions carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition.